Forrest High School, Askari Abdullah Muhammad, and state elections are in the headlines today.Welcome to WJCT First Read, your daily weekday morning round-up of stories from the First Coast, around Florida, and across the country. We'll also preview some of WJCT's upcoming news programming.
Duval school board approves Westside High to replace Forrest: The Duval County School Board unanimously approved Westside Senior High as the new name for Nathan B. Forrest High School at a meeting last night. (WJCT)
Prosecutors say Marissa Alexander violated bond requirements: In a motion filed to revoke bail for Marissa Alexander, prosecutors said she violated home detention rules. Her lawyer says all trips from home were approved by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. (Florida Times-Union)
Murder convict executed after four decades: Askari Abdullah Muhammad, on death row for the murder of a Miami couple in 1974 and convicted of killing a prison guard in 1980, was executed last night. (Gainesville Sun)
Florida small businesses add jobs in December: Florida’s small business employment grew by two-tenths of a percent in December. (Orlando Business Journal)
State legislative candidates file to begin campaigns: Several newcomers to state legislative races filed to open campaign accounts in the first days of 2014. (SaintPetersBlog)
Republican primary could benefit Democrats in race for former Young seat: A contentious primary campaign between Republicans David Jolly and state Rep. Kathleen Peters to run for the seat of the late Rep. Bill Young may give Democratic candidate Alex Sink a leg up in fundraising. (The Hill)
Fewer panther deaths in 2013: Florida wildlife officials say 20 endangered panthers died last year, down from 27 in 2012. (NBC South Florida)
Today on First Coast Connect, Ali Bustamante, professor of labor research and studies at Florida International University will look at how recent cuts in federal unemployment benefits are affecting Florida residents.
You can get all the latest headlines online at WJCTNews.org, on our Facebook page, and on Twitter @WJCTJax. You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter at @patrickhdonges.
